Did you know Colorado doesn’t require x-ray professionals to hold a state radiologic technology license?
Radiologic technologists can practice with an American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®) certification. Or you can pass the Colorado Limited Scope Operator’s examination to become a limited scope x-ray operator.
Yet, just because you don’t need a state license doesn’t mean there aren’t requirements to maintain your certifications.
What else do you need to do to ensure you can operate x-ray systems in Colorado? We’re about to tell you how to maintain your certifications and registrations next.
Maintaining Your ARRT® Certification
Individuals who pass the ARRT® exam can legally operate x-ray machines in Colorado. But to remain certified, you have to submit the Application for Renewal of Certification and Registration to ARRT®.
This application has a list of requirements that you must complete for renewal. For example, you need to stay compliant with ARRT®’s Rules and Regulations and Standards of Ethics.
Here are three additional requirements to renew your ARRT® certification and registration.
Renew Your Certification Every 2 years
Colorado Radiologic Technologists must renew their ARRT® certification and registration bi-annually with ARRT®. The deadline to renew usually falls on the last day of the month prior to the license holder’s birth month.
Keep in mind that you’ll also have to renew any extra credentials you hold in specific disciplines.
To renew your certification, you’ll submit an application. You can find this application through ARRT®s website.
You’ll have to pay a small fee to renew, but there is good news. The ARRT®’s fees tend to be lower than similar radiologic technology credentialing organizations.
Earn CE Credits Bi-Annually
Radiologic Technologists in Colorado must complete 24 CE credits every two years. These credits only qualify if they’re ARRT® Category A or A+ credits.
What does that mean? Category A and A+ credits are approved by a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM). Companies offering these credits advertise courses as officially recognized for ARRT® or RCEEM-approved.
CE classes vary in format, ranging from seminars and lectures to online and home study courses. You can choose whatever format you like, but make sure to pick CE activities relevant to your field. For example, ultrasound specialists will benefit from ultrasound-related CE courses.
Each hour of courses you take counts as one CE credit. For example, taking four 15–29 minute courses or one 50–60 minute course would equate to one CE credit.
You’ll receive a certificate for every course you complete for the amount of hours that course has been awarded by an RCEEM. Make sure you hold onto those certificates until it’s time to renew your certification. You’ll submit information from these certificates with your renewal application. If you are audited by ARRT®, you will need to provide a copy of your certificate, according to their instructions.
Complete CQR Every 10 Years
Some ARRT® certificate-holders must complete the Continuing Qualifications Requirement (CQR). This only applies to radiologic technologists who first earned their ARRT® certification on or after January 1st, 2011.
The CQR helps radiologic technologists identify their strengths and challenges. It is not graded, but assessed for the need for continuing education in specific areas.
During CQR, you’ll have to:
- Submit a professional profile detailing the type and frequency of procedures you perform
- Perform a self-assessment and do exercises to identify strengths and gaps in your knowledge and skills for technique, patient care, safety, image production, etc.
You will have to complete continuing education courses (which will also count toward your biennium) based on the results of your assessment.
Radiologic technologists do CQR once every ten years. The ARRT® keeps track of CQRs, meaning they’ll notify you when it’s time to complete yours.
Maintaining Your Limited Scope Operator Registration
Limited scope operators administer x-rays to humans but in a more limited capacity. Colorado expects these professionals to maintain a Limited Scope Operator certification.
Here are the requirements to renew this certification in Colorado.
Submit an Application for Renewal
Limited scope operators must renew their certification and registration once every two years. To do so, you must submit the R-90 application to the state of Colorado. You’ll also have to pay a $60 application fee each time you renew.
Provide Proof of CE Credits
Like radiologic technologists, limited scope operators must obtain continuing education credits. You have to complete at least 24 credit hourse of CE courses every two years. You can submit proof that you completed these courses with your bi-annual renewal application.
Why Does CE Matter for Radiologic Technologists and Limited Scope Operators?
By now, you may be wondering: why is continuing education so important for x-ray operators? You can’t legally operate an x-ray on human patients without CEs. But aside from helping you stay certified, CEs benefit your career and your patients.
How CEs Benefit Your Career
CEs benefit your career because they keep your skills sharp. This makes you more marketable, whether you’re searching for a job or looking for a promotion.
Through CE courses, you’ll learn about the latest advancements in radiologic technology. Staying current with your field will increase your chances of getting hired. If you’re employed already, CEs can help you earn raises and promotions.
How CEs Benefit Your Patients
At the same time, keeping your knowledge up to date puts your patients at ease that you know what you’re doing. CEs also give you the peace of mind knowing that you’re doing everything to do your best.
Continuing education helps you learn how to improve patient outcomes. Plus, there’s always new research emerging about reducing risk for radiology patients.
Radiology CE Credits to Maintain Your Radiologic Technology License
Colorado radiologic technologists don’t need a state radiologic technology license but you need to submit proof of continuing education (CE) credits every two years to ARRT® .
Wondering how to meet radiologic technologist CE requirements in your state? You’ve come to the right place. Browse Scrubs CE’s radiology courses now to find the right classes for your state licensure needs!
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